Unlike in most countries, US Supreme Court justices enjoy life tenure. Some legal scholars believe that centuries-old custom, meant to protect judicial independence, no longer serves the public.
Lifetime tenure has pushed the average age of judicial nominees down as presidents appoint younger justices in hopes they will serve for many decades.
Erin Schaff/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
Unlike in most countries, US Supreme Court justices enjoy life tenure. Some legal scholars believe that centuries-old custom, meant to protect judicial independence, no longer serves the public.
Amid strong political pressure to pack the Supreme Court, President Biden formed a commission to study ways to reform the court.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
Presidents form commissions to study controversial problems and recommend solutions. President Biden created one while under pressure to pack the Supreme Court. Will a commission help him politically?
Professor of Political Science and Director of the Weidenbaum Center on the Economy, Government, and Public Policy, Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis